Security Briefing – 5 May 2009

Given the growing threats of cyber attacks and cyber espionage on Australia’s critical national infrastructure and government functions, cyber security has emerged, for the first time, as one of Australia’s key defence priorities. The 2009 Defence White Paper, released on 2 May, places cyber security on the same strategic level of importance as Australia’s more traditional defence areas.

Maritime warfare, air warfare, strategic strike, special forces, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and cyber warfare were identified as the ‘crucial areas which require particular attention to secure our unique strategic interests’. The White Paper discussed the introduction of a range of new military contingencies in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to combat threats of cyber and space warfare on defence, government and civil information networks.

New security threats have arisen as the result of advances in networks and communications technology. As a result, more resources and sustained investment will be allocated for the acquisition of updated technology and analytical capabilities to ensure strict controls over Defence information. Incident response capability will be enhanced and a Cyber Security Operations Centre will be established to coordinate response to immediate cyber security breaches and mitigate risks.

Cyber security strategies require coordinated risk mitigation and response mechanisms, through utilising the capabilities of a range of technologies and experts from varying fields. As such, the Australian government has spread the responsibilities, capabilities and strategies for cyber defence across the ADF, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the Defence Signals Directorate. Furthermore, the Cyber Security Operations Centre will include representatives from different government agencies – including the Attorney-General's Department (which procures e-security programs for Government and private sector), the Australian Federal Police and intelligence agencies – with the purpose of aligning strategies with the wider national security agenda.

International Operations Group - Analysis

The government’s identification of cyber warfare as one of the key emerging threats in Australia is a reflection of new priorities in global security. Rapid developments in communications technology have led to new security challenges, including an increased threat from transnational criminal and terrorist groups. Traditional forms of defence are no longer adequate to manage these borderless threats. Therefore, governments are pursuing a new form of multilateral defence involving the integration of cyber defence systems to protect vulnerable government information networks, national infrastructure grids and the corporate sector’s financial systems.

An integrated defence strategy is a high priority. Through the DSTO, Australia will be in a position to leverage specialised cyber security technology and capabilities with the United Kingdom and the United States. Such an approach will be useful in protecting international corporate organisations, whose systems require multilateral cyber defence. Since the global financial crisis has seen an increase in data theft and fraud, the general public’s level of concern about cyber security has grown 20 per cent to a measured level of 150 in 2009, according to the Unisys Security Index.

International Operations Group - Services

Cyber security requires strong intelligence and an increased awareness of potential vulnerabilities in corporate, utility and governmental systems. International Operations Group can offer methods of improving cyber defence standards for both companies and governmental organisations. Our intelligence and screening systems help to ensure secure networks. We are also able to provide advice on internal business risk mitigation and network assessments.

Please email us at intel@interopsgroup.com or telephone us on +61 2 8003 3933 for additional information or confidential support.

For more information on our fee-based intelligence updates or bespoke reporting, please email Rob Stevenson - rob@interopsgroup.com. Rob can also be telephoned directly on +61 [0] 420 244 909.